Lithuanian Prime Minister: Belarus Should Have New Elections

• 18.09.2020, 12:35

Saulius Skvernelis responded to Lukashenka's statements about "closing the borders".

On Friday, Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis assessed Lukashenka's statements that the country was closing its borders with the West, primarily with Lithuania and Poland. Skvernelis said so far these were just empty words, as the border between Lithuania and Belarus was not closed, Delfi reports.

"So far, no order has been issued; we have heard many loud statements on the part of Belarus, aimed primarily at domestic policy. If they take such steps, there will be an adequate response. Nevertheless, such decisions primarily affect the economy of Belarus itself and its residents," Skvernelis told reporters.

He pointed out a possible response for Belarus.

"In this case, Belarusian trucks will not be able to enter either Lithuania or Poland. This would damage the economy of the country once again. I do not believe that it will be done, but if it is, the response will be accurate," said the Prime Minister.

He noted that these decisions would have different impacts on different sectors, but it will not "hurt us much".

Skvernelis said that such statements might aim at Belarusians.

"They want to show that the enemy is abroad, that the greatest enemy is a neighbour. This is how the Belarusian people are told stories about imaginary enemies," said the Head of Government.

He recalls Lithuania's previous position on Belarus - the country should hold democratic elections.